A classically trained musician, Valerie has musically directed/conducted/accompanied various theater productions in Philadelphia, New York and Chicago. In 1996, Valerie music directed the world premiere of The Three Willies, a musical theater work conceived by the late jazz violinist and composer, Leroy Jenkins, in collaboration with multimedia performance artist/poet, Homer Jenkins, and choreographer/dancer, Rennie Harris. In pursuit of her bachelor's degree in Music Performance, she has studied at Temple University and DePaul University. She currently teaches music at the Pritchard Music Academy and was nominated for Outstanding Musical Direction for Jekyll & Hyde at Kensington Arts Theatre (KAT) in 2011.

Valerie also accompanies vocalists and instrumentalists and has a long history playing for various college, community and church choirs. While she has this experience, her favorite gigs include wedding ceremonies and private parties/receptions. Supplying music for these events showcase Valerie at her best.

Looking forward to hearing from you, and I am certain that I can bring the necessary atmosphere for your event.

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Wedding

Overall

Professionalism

Accommodating

Overall Talent

Recommend

Valerie was extremely accommodating with all of the logistical arrangements, and she sounded perfect. We were very glad we hired her!

(more)Review by Danny S.
from Baltimore, MD on
12/3/2006

Festival

Overall

Professionalism

Accommodating

Overall Talent

Recommend

I hired Valerie to accompany for a vocal competition. As a fellow gigging professional pianist myself, I will happily advise that Valerie is an exceptionally talented pianist and a wonderful person. Her sightreading skills are incomparable (dare I say potentially better than my own? :0)) and she was ontime to everything, well-prepared, and personable. I highly recommend her!